Driving is a part of life for many people in India. But with driving also comes the responsibility of following traffic rules. If you break a traffic rule (unintentionally, of course; it happens to the best of us), you might face a traffic challan. A challan is a fine imposed by the authorities for a traffic violation.
In the past, you might have had to physically visit a Regional Transport Office (RTO) to check the RTO challan or pay the fine. But, thankfully, things are much easier now. You can now check challan status online from the comfort of your home.
Here’s a guide on how to check challan online on a vehicle.
What is E-Challan?
An E-Challan is a digital version of a traffic ticket. Instead of getting a paper challan from the police, fines are usually issued electronically. It can happen in two ways:
- Traffic police on duty: If you get pulled over for breaking a traffic rule, the police officer might issue you an E-Challan using a mobile app on the spot.
- Traffic cameras: Many cities have CCTV cameras and speed guns that automatically detect violations. If caught speeding or breaking a traffic signal by a camera, an E-Challan will be sent straight to your vehicle’s registration number. As these challans are issued automatically, you must check the challan status online.
Common traffic violations attracting traffic challans
Before we dive into how to check challan online on a vehicle, let’s revisit some common traffic violations that can land you a challan:
- Speeding
- Jumping a red light
- Ignoring your seatbelt
- Considering helmets as decoration (for two-wheeler riders)
- Texting and driving
- Taking shortcuts and driving on the wrong side
- Improper parking
- Parking in no-parking areas
- Expired bike or car insurance (By the way, you can renew your bike or car insurance online in a few minutes.)
How to check challan online on a vehicle?
Here’s how to check challan status online in a few simple steps:
Step 1 – To check e-challan, head to the Parivahan Sewa website. It is the official government website of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MORTH). https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in/.
Step 2 – The website is easy to navigate. To check the RTO fine, go to ‘Check Challan Status’ under the ‘Check Online Services’ tab.
Step 3 – Here's where you choose how to check challan online on a vehicle. You can either select:
- Check E-Challan by vehicle number.
- Check E-Challan by driving license number.
- Check E-Challan by challan number.
You can easily check e-challan by vehicle number. However, to check challan status online, you must also provide the last five characters of your chassis or engine number.
Step 4 – Enter the captcha to prove you are not a robot and click ‘Get Detail.’
Step 5 – Verify the OTP you received to check the RTO fine.
Step 6 – If you have any outstanding challans, the website will display them. You’ll see the online traffic challan status and details, such as the type of violation, date, time, and the challan amount.
Many state transportation departments also have websites where you can check online traffic challan status. The procedure for checking traffic challan is similar to that on the Parivahan Sewa website. You can find the website of your state transportation department to search for and check challan status online.
How to pay E-Challan?
Now that you know how to check challan online on a vehicle and check challan status online, you can conveniently pay them online.
Step 1 – When you check the traffic challan online, the website will prompt you to settle the amount. Click on ‘Pay Now.’ The website will have a button to initiate the online payment process.
Step 2 – You’ll receive a one-time password (OTP) on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP to confirm it’s you.
Step 3 – The website will offer various payment options, like GPay, Phone pe, debit card, credit card, or net banking. Select your preferred method and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the payment.
Step 4 – Download the receipt for your records once the payment is successful. It is proof that you’ve cleared your challan.
What if the Challan is unpaid?
Now that you know how to check e-challan on a vehicle and verify online traffic challan status, pay your dues on time. Ignoring your challan might lead to the following:
- Court summons
- Driver’s license suspension
How to avoid e-challans?
The best way to deal with challans? Don’t get them in the first place!
- Keep it cool and follow the speed limits.
- Never drink and drive.
- Wear a helmet on every two-wheeler ride.
- Eyes on the road, not your phone.
- Keep your motor insurance (bike or car insurance), vehicle registration certificate, and driving license with you at all times.
Follow the traffic rules, and you never have to check challan status online. Stay informed about your fines and promptly pay them. Moreover, to protect yourself and your vehicle—against challans and accidents—consider getting comprehensive car insurance online from Generali Central for peace of mind.
